Portland’s proponents of fixed-rail systems have taken a couple hits the past two weeks. First, the Sept. 19 free alternative Willamette Week cover story highlights the politicians-campaign contributions-trolley syndicate. Next is the Sept. 25 Oregonian front page article, “Streetcar bumps into federal bias for buses.” The subtitle notes, “Grant-givers say people-hauling efficiency is their primary goal, not urban revitalization.” The proposed extension would “be the first in the nation to be built with substantial federal money.” Thus, if the why-do-we-even-have-a Federal Transit Administration rejects Portland’s proposal, it would be a victory for virtually everybody else across America.